September 2024: Top 11 Waste Management & Recycling Consultants, Companies, Services, and Consulting Firms
Updated: September 2024
The complexity of waste management and recycling requires specialized knowledge and strategies. Consultants in this field offer invaluable expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, innovative recycling techniques, and waste reduction methods.
They guide businesses and communities in implementing environmentally responsible and cost-effective waste management practices. This not only helps in adhering to environmental standards but also contributes to a company’s corporate social responsibility profile, enhancing its public image.
Moreover, these consultants aid in navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape. They bring in cutting-edge solutions like advanced recycling technologies and waste-to-energy conversion, which can significantly enhance operational efficiency. This advanced expertise is crucial for businesses looking to adapt to new environmental regulations and societal expectations regarding sustainability.
Choosing the Right Consultant or Firm
Selecting the appropriate waste management and recycling consultant or firm hinges on understanding one's unique needs and challenges. The first step is to identify the specific areas where expertise is needed – be it compliance, technological implementation, or operational efficiency. Businesses should look for consultants with a proven track record in these areas, backed by successful case studies and client testimonials.
Additionally, the alignment of values and approaches is vital. A consultant or firm that shares a business’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices can foster a more productive and harmonious working relationship. It is also important to consider the scalability of solutions offered, ensuring they can adapt and grow with the business. By carefully evaluating these aspects, businesses can forge a partnership that not only addresses their immediate waste management needs but also sets a solid foundation for sustainable growth and environmental responsibility.
In this article, we’ll explore the best options when it comes to waste management and recycling consultants to help you towards the right choice.
TL;DR Top 11 Waste Management & Recycling Consultants and Consulting Firms
Alpha Apex Group: Alpha Apex Group is a top-tier waste management consultancy, providing strategic guidance and innovative solutions to optimize practices and enhance sustainability within the circular economy.
MSW Consultants: Specializes in optimizing recycling and waste management programs with data-driven solutions for a wide range of clients.
AFRY: Global experts in waste/resource management, focusing on sustainability and the Circular Economy.
Global Trash Solutions (GTS): Renowned for creating cost-saving waste management strategies and reducing expenses for various industries.
GBB: Offers environmentally friendly waste management solutions and specializes in tackling complex waste challenges independently.
Buro Happold: Engineering consultancy committed to sustainable waste management, focusing on the circular economy and efficient logistics.
Alpha Apex Group, Leaders in Waste Management & Recycling Consulting
Alpha Apex Group distinguishes itself as a leading consultancy in the waste management and recycling industry, providing strategic guidance and innovative solutions to businesses and municipalities seeking to optimize waste management practices and enhance sustainability efforts. Their waste expertise spans regulatory compliance, waste minimization strategies, recycling program design, and the implementation of advanced waste-to-energy technologies. By leveraging their deep understanding of environmental policies, market dynamics, and technological advancements, Alpha Apex Group helps clients achieve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and capitalize on opportunities within the circular economy.
Key Services:
Waste management strategy development and operational optimization
Recycling program design and implementation
Compliance with environmental regulations and standards
Waste-to-energy solutions and sustainability initiatives
Circular economy integration and materials recovery
Stakeholder engagement and community education programs
Why work with Alpha Apex Group:
Choosing Alpha Apex Group for waste management and recycling consulting ensures that organizations benefit from expert insights and actionable strategies designed to address the challenges of modern waste management. Their holistic approach not only enhances environmental stewardship but also drives economic value, positioning clients as leaders in sustainability and innovation within their communities and industries. Alpha Apex Group's commitment to delivering tailored, impactful solutions makes them a vital partner for entities aiming to transform waste management practices into opportunities for growth and positive environmental impact.
2. MSW Consultants
MSW Consultants is a prominent management consulting firm with a specialized focus on the waste and recycling industry. They excel in providing data-driven solutions designed to optimize recycling, diversion, and waste management programs. Their services cater to a diverse range of clients, including federal government entities, state agencies, municipalities, trade associations, NGOs, and private-sector waste generators.
MSW Consultants is renowned for their comprehensive planning, financial modeling, operational analysis, and procurement support services. A key aspect of their expertise lies in characterizing material streams, allowing them to identify and implement opportunities for recycling, diversion, composting, energy recovery, and other methods to reduce waste disposal.
Key Services
Waste Characterization, Generation, and Composition Studies
Collection System Optimization and Technology Upgrade
Collection, Transfer, Disposal, and Processing Procurement Assistance
Visible Litter Surveys and Litter Policy Research
Solid Waste Management and Zero Waste Plans
Recycling & Composting Program Development
Business and Institutional Waste and Recycling Audits
GIS & Computer-Optimized Routing
Market Analysis and Feasibility Studies
Reason to work with MSW Consultants
MSW Consultants stand out for their thorough and data-driven approach to waste management and recycling. Their expertise in planning, analysis, and operational optimization makes them a valuable partner for entities looking to improve their waste management strategies and reduce environmental impact.
3. AFRY
AFRY is dedicated to helping clients redefine their approach to finite resource usage through enhanced system design and development. Their globally connected team specializes in waste and resource management, delivering tailored solutions to both government and private sector clients to boost efficiency and promote sustainability. AFRY's comprehensive approach covers the entire lifecycle of waste management, ensuring robust and sustainable outcomes. They are committed to aligning their services with the emerging targets of the Circular Economy, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Key Services
Resource & Waste Management Strategy
Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
Business Case & Feasibility Analysis
Carbon Management
Contract Procurement and Bid Support
Infrastructure Development Support
Market Assessment and Modelling
Options Appraisal and Waste Forecasting
Strategy Development and Policy Advice
Net Zero Waste Strategy & Implementation
Why Work with AFRY
AFRY offers a unique blend of global expertise, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability, making them an ideal partner for organizations looking to enhance their waste management practices.
4. Global Trash Solutions
Founded in 2008, Global Trash Solutions (GTS) has emerged as a leading waste consultant in the United States. The company has dedicated years to analyzing the waste management industry and forging relationships with waste haulers nationwide. GTS specializes in developing innovative waste management strategies that cater to businesses of all sizes across various industries, including hospitality and the public sector.
Key Services
Comprehensive Waste Management Consulting
Recycling and Disposal Solutions for various materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, scrap metals, solid waste, textiles, wood, industrial waste, and medical waste
Waste Cost Reduction Strategies
Contract Negotiation and Monitoring
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Streamlining Operations for Waste Management
Why Work with Global Trash Solutions
GTS offers extensive knowledge and industry connections to create tailored waste management solutions. They are renowned for their ability to significantly reduce waste and recycling costs for their clients, often achieving savings of 30-40% within the first month of engagement, and an average of 35% in waste and recycling expenses.
5. GBB Inc.
GBB Inc., established in 1980, stands out as a leader in recycling and solid waste management consulting. They specialize in creating integrated waste management programs that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly and resource-conserving. GBB Inc. is known for its ability to tackle complex waste management challenges, tailoring their services to meet each client's specific needs.
Their comprehensive approach includes various waste prevention and management methods like reuse, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, sustainable materials management, waste conversion, landfill gas and energy capture, and landfilling. Importantly, GBB Inc. prides itself on maintaining objectivity and independence from technology, financing, construction, and operational interests, focusing solely on client needs and goals.
Key Services
Strategic Solid Waste Management & Planning
Solid Waste Management Planning
Public Outreach & Education
Associations and Authorities
Waste Characterization Studies
Technical Evaluation & Planning
Commercial & Industrial Recycling
Waste-to-Energy & Alternative Technologies
Materials Recovery Facilities
Residential Recycling
Why work with GBB Inc
GBB Inc.'s commitment to creating tailored, environmentally responsible waste management solutions, combined with their extensive experience and dedication to client needs, makes them a reliable and effective partner in managing solid waste and recycling challenges.
6. Buro Happold
Buro Happold, a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy focuses on creating bespoke solutions that encompass the latest innovations and technologies while adhering to international best practices and regulations.
Their approach aims to close the loop in waste management, striving for zero waste and reduced carbon footprint through the prevention, reuse, and recycling of materials. This approach is applied across all building layers, construction, and operational phases.
Key Services
Development of Circular Economy Strategies
Waste Management Strategies including feasibility studies and infrastructure assessments
Waste and Goods Logistics Management
Conducting Waste and Goods Audits for effective waste reduction and recycling
Consulting on Planning Requirements and Innovative Solutions for waste management
Why Work with Buro Happold
Buro Happold stands out for its commitment to sustainable waste management solutions that balance design needs with operational requirements. Their focus on circular economy strategies and efficient logistics management makes them a valuable partner for organizations seeking to minimize waste and embrace sustainable practices.
7. SLR Consulting
SLR Consulting is a global leader in sustainable waste management, offering independent, commercially-focused advice to a broad range of clients, including waste generators, service operators, infrastructure developers, funders, and the public sector. Their services reflect a deep understanding of local legislation, guidance, and commercial conditions, enriched by a perspective on international best practices.
With over 25 years of experience, SLR Consulting addresses the entire spectrum of waste and resource management solutions, including minimization, reuse, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and final disposal. They also provide solutions in sustainability and circular economy themes.
Key Services
Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessments
Circular Economy Support
Services and Infrastructure Procurement
Due Diligence and Market Analysis
Strategy Development, Services Review, and Options Appraisal
Business Case Development and Cost Modelling
Policy Development and Review
Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Modelling for Waste and Resources Projects
Why work with SLR Consulting
SLR Consulting's extensive experience, coupled with their comprehensive approach to sustainable waste management, including in-house engineering, permitting, planning, and specialist environmental services, ensures they deliver fully aligned, cost-effective infrastructure solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients.
8. Arup
Arup, a company renowned for its expertise in environmental planning and waste-to-energy plant design, is deeply committed to conserving vital resources and minimizing waste. They adopt an integrated approach to resource and waste management, understanding the life cycle of products, urban development, and strategic resources like water and energy.
Arup's services span the entire waste lifecycle, encompassing waste management strategies, waste servicing solutions, and the design of innovative, sustainable, and affordable recycling and waste-to-energy facilities.
Key Services
Environmental Planning
Waste-to-Energy Plant Design
Lifecycle Management of Resources and Waste
Development of Recycling and Waste Servicing Solutions
Infrastructure Design for Waste Facilities
Strategic, Technical, and Environmental Consulting
Why Work with Arup
Arup's global experience, combined with local insights and world-leading expertise, makes them highly adept at tailoring solutions to diverse client needs.
9. Ghd
GHD focuses on waste avoidance, recovery, reuse, and the efficient management of waste facilities and streams. Their approach emphasizes minimizing waste generation and unlocking the value of materials previously regarded as waste.
GHD's comprehensive waste management services include planning, design, monitoring, and project management, aimed at delivering and operating essential waste management facilities. These services provide long-term benefits to communities and the environment.
Key Services
Detailed and conceptual design for landfills, transfer stations, resource recovery facilities, containment cells, leachate, and rehabilitation
Environmental management including modeling, monitoring, collection, assessments, compliance, industrial waste minimization, and cleaner production
Strategic planning for siting, resource and waste management, financial modeling, and recycling or resource recovery
Legislative approvals and considerations for environmental planning, infrastructure siting, and operations
Assessment, selection, and design of alternative waste technologies
Waste and compliance auditing
Community consultation
Why work with GHD
GHD's extensive range of services, from design to strategic planning and environmental management, demonstrates their commitment to integrating sustainable practices in waste management. Their expertise in various aspects of waste management, coupled with a global perspective on sustainable development, makes them a valuable partner.
10. Greenpath Recovery
Greenpath Recovery specializes in large-scale commercial recycling program management and consulting. Recognizing that effective recycling programs begin not just at the bin, but from the front office to the production floor, they emphasize the importance of comprehensive program management and consulting. Their services are designed to assist businesses in setting and achieving recycling targets through detailed waste audits, team training, and resource management strategies.
Greenpath Recovery's approach involves managing complex recycling programs that require coordination among various vendors, including consultants, product designers, transport providers, equipment manufacturers, and more. With over 25 years of experience, they offer a "one-stop-shop" solution for commercial recycling needs. Their services extend to in-house processing and manufacturing, focusing on maintaining domestic operations and supporting U.S. jobs. Greenpath Recovery not only aims to enhance corporate sustainability but also contributes to clients' profitability.
Key Services
Recycling Program Management and Consulting
Waste Audit Analysis
Recycling Target Setting and Implementation
Team Training and Development
Recycled Plastic Sourcing and Product Destruction
Vendor Management and Coordination
In-House Processing and Manufacturing
Why work with Greenpath Recovery
Greenpath Recovery brings over two decades of experience in commercial recycling, offering a comprehensive, integrated approach to recycling management. Their commitment to maintaining domestic operations and creating U.S. jobs, while helping clients achieve sustainability and profitability goals, makes them an ideal partner for businesses looking to enhance their recycling programs and contribute to environmental sustainability.
11. L.E.K. Consulting
L.E.K. Consulting, with over 30 years of experience, plays a pivotal role in addressing the critical issues of waste reduction and the move towards a circular economy. Recognizing the challenges faced by existing waste management and recycling systems, they offer strategic guidance across a broad spectrum of waste markets, including municipal, residential, commercial, industrial, and hazardous waste.
Key Services
Strategic consultation across various waste markets
Cash flow management and market evaluation
Identifying recycling opportunities within regulatory and macroenvironmental contexts
Support in industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
Development of waste reduction and Elimination Strategies
Comprehensive understanding of the waste and recycling stream processes
Why Work with L.E.K. Consulting
L.E.K. Consulting offers a unique blend of rigorous analysis and tangible insights into waste management, coupled with a broad knowledge of related industries like energy, chemicals, and packaging.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Waste Management & Recycling Consultant
When selecting a waste management and recycling consultant, it’s crucial to keep several key factors in mind to ensure that you partner with a firm that aligns with your organization's needs and values. Consider the following aspects:
Experience and Expertise: Look for a consultant with a proven track record in waste management and recycling. Their experience should include working with organizations similar to yours in size and industry.
Customized Solutions: Choose a consultant who offers tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring that the strategies align with your specific waste management goals
Sustainability Practices: Evaluate their commitment to sustainability. A good consultant should prioritize environmentally friendly practices and help you reduce your ecological footprint.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the consultant is well-versed in local and national waste management regulations to help you stay compliant and avoid legal issues
Technology Utilization: Assess their use of technology in waste management processes. Advanced tools can offer more efficient and effective recycling and waste management solutions.
Client Testimonials and Case Studies: Look for positive feedback from previous clients and detailed case studies that demonstrate the consultant's ability to deliver results
What Waste Management and Recycling Consultant Will You Choose?
Choosing the right waste management and recycling consultant is a pivotal decision for your organization. The right partner can help you navigate the complexities of waste management, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement sustainable practices that resonate with your company’s ethos. As you consider your options, reflect on how each consultant's expertise, approach to sustainability, and customized solutions align with your organization’s goals.
The path towards more efficient and responsible waste management begins with selecting a consultant who not only understands the technical aspects of recycling and waste management but also shares your commitment to environmental stewardship.
